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The Nolan Ryan Trade - December 12, 1978

After going 10-13 with a 3.72 ERA for the Angels in 1978, Nolan Ryan found himself in Angels GM Buzz Bavasi's doghouse. So, when he asked Brewers GM if they'd be willing to swap 18-game winner Lary Sorensen for Ryan, Dalton asked for outfielder Don Baylor and minor-league prospect Mark Clear in return. Bavasi said that the package would require Larry Hisle, who the Brewers had just signed to a massive contract. Dalton agreed, but was able to extract a minor-league catcher named Brian Harper out of the deal.

"We replaced a sub-.500 pitcher with an 18-game winner," Bavasi said when he announced the trade. "we have given California's fans a great team to root for."

Bavasi's comments blew up in his face by June 1 of that year. While Ryan was taking advantage of the plentiful run support provided by Harvey's Wallbangers, Larry Hisle was on the disabled list with a shoulder injury that would limit him to part-time DH duty for the rest of his contract. Sorenson would post the same .500 record that Ryan had been posting with California.

Don Baylor, meanwhile, hit 43 home runs, drove in 148 runs, and stole 29 bases, becoming the 1979 AL MVP. Mark Clear anchored the Brewers bullpen with 19 saves.

All three played crucial roles in the Brewers becoming the 1979 World Champions that launched a dynasty that gave the Brewers seven additional post-season appearances by the end of the 1990 season.
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